People will believe what they want to believe and if that is your belief of what I am doing that is fine with me. That is pretty judgmental when you do not know my story, but you are entitled to your opinion. I cannot convince anyone of my beliefs; I cannot convince anyone of my intentions. I will tell you that I began my long journey in Mormonism believing what was told to me and asking many questions. Everything I asked sounded right until I realized that the terminology was the same and the intention or true belief behind that terminology was not the same. It was not right for someone to convince me or to try to convince me that something was true when they knew it was not what I was asking. Example: The Virgin Birth, when I asked if they believed in the Virgin Birth they said absolutely and they knew I meant a literal virgin yet they knew they believed in literal sex between God and Mary yet they refused to let me in on that little bit of information. This happened all the way down the line, sadly those that are Mormon in my family lied to me too. It was deceitful at best. I do not believe it is wise to just take a person’s word for anything. I believe that we are supposed to use the mind that was given to us. As I attended Mormon church, studied Mormon scripture, and was deep in the Mormon culture because of family and friends that have been Mormons for generations it began to be obvious that there were contradictions that I could not overlook. All I did was study and anyone that studies will see these things. You have to either turn a blind eye or you have to accept that something is wrong. Sadly, my quest was not to find anything wrong. I wanted it to be right. I wanted it to be true. Even sadder is the fact that it was not right, it was not true, and it was very deceitful. Judge me if you want but anyone that studies with an open heart wanting to find truth and not contradictions will find these contradictions anyway. It cannot stand up to scrutiny as the Bible can and Jesus of the Bible can.

For the record, if someone comments and it is insulting, could be offensive to others, uses foul language, or it is apparent that the person is just trying to antagonize and has no interest in a conversation with an open mind to discussing/considering the two things mandatory for salvation I will not waste your time or mine. I will not post your comment (depending on the nature and content of the comment). I do not apologize for that. I have many people that comment and want private dialog as well as public dialog so I will use G_d’s time speaking with those that truly want to learn. Debate for the sake of debate can happen on any blog or any street corner….I have no interest in debate just for the sake of debate. Most of these issues will never be agreed upon by the majority of Mormons. It is for those that are told the lie as I was, and FFF will offer them the true information so they may make an informed choice for themselves. It is also for those that do not know Mormonism at all yet that are also told it is Christian and told the lies to cover up the true beliefs. I will not apologize for telling the truth. People deserve that. They are smart enough to make their own choices and they deserve the facts in order to do just that. Some will still consider Mormonism but at least they know the true teachings and they have made that choice with factual information. This blog started because of Mitt Romney. I was frustrated that he was lying to people. I could not sit back and watch him lie to people knowing the church the way I do.

What are the two things mandatory for salvation in Christ Jesus?

1)Jesus is G_d, and we are not

2) Jesus rose bodily from the grave

Even if you are uncertain, but you are truly seeking information I am more than happy and willing to serve you. If after seeing what the mandatory beliefs of Salvation in Christ are if you are open to learning or you do believe that and you truly are seeking information please feel free to comment and ask questions, for text, and information.

With all of this said I have had some very precious dialog with some that do not at all hold the same beliefs however we agree to disagree and we are not trying to change one another. There is a mutual respect felt, appreciated, and honored. They are truly seeking information, not so much to change, but they truly are curious they do not want to fight, agitate, or try to influence me or my readers. We agree to disagree but it is nice to have friends with which you may do such a thing. It seems like true friendships are formed when people come together that do agree to disagree without having to be right or having to change the other person. Otherwise, it doesn’t seem sincere. Sincerity is truth and truth is love.

Can You Find These Mormon Teachings in the Bible or in the Book of Mormon?

A challenging game:

The Mormon church teaches that the Bible is “the word of God as far as it is translated correctly” Articles of Faith, No 8. Joseph Smith taught that the Book of Mormon is the most correct book “the fullness of the everlasting gospel” Doctrine & Covenants 27:5, 135:3 and also an addition to or supplement to the Bible. Please find the below references in the Bible and the Book of Mormon to support the following statements and teachings of the Mormon church. Check off the source that supports the statement whether the Bible or the Book of Mormon.

BIBLE Book of Mormon

Sorry the lines are off balance:

1. The Mormon Priesthood is the only authority God recognizes and is

necessary for salvation.__________

2. Temple Marriage For Eternity is necessary for exaltation to godhood.__________

3. Baptism for the dead is required to save the dead.__________

4. God was once a man on another planet who progressed to become

god of this world.__________

5. This god has a body of flesh and bones and is not a spirit.__________

6. This god was selected by a council of gods and did not create man,

heaven or earth. __________

7. This god had a father, who had a father, who had a father.__________

8. This god is married to many wives and has millions of children.__________

9. Each individual has the potential to progress to become a god or

goddess of their own world.__________

10. This god is eternally progressing and learning new things each day to

become a better god. Eternal Progression. __________

11. Jesus was not born of a virgin because Mary was married to god

before she married Joseph.__________

12. Jesus is the brother of Lucifer.__________

13. Jesus is also progressing and someday, he too, may become a god

of his own planet. __________

14. Jesus is also married to several women and has many children.__________

15. The blood of Christ is not sufficient for the forgiveness of several

sins. __________

The above statements are found in LDS/Mormon writings and they are doctrines that are taught however are not found in either the Bible or the Book of Mormon. If you see below you will find statements 1-15 and where they are taught in Mormon doctrine. If you look below that you will see statements 1-15 and where they are not supported in the Bible and what the Bible does say about these issues.

8. The Seer, by Orson Pratt, pages 158 and 172; Mormon Doctrine, by Bruce McConkie, page 516; Doctrine and Covenants, Section 132. (god married to many wives, many children)

9. Mormon Doctrine by Bruce McConkie, page 321; Doctrine and Covenants 132: 20-21; Articles of Faith, by James Talmage, pages 430 and 530; Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith by Joseph Fielding Smith, pages 346 and 374. (each individual may progress into a god/goddess of their own world)

11. The Bible teaches that the Virgin Mary was with child from the Holy Spirit: Matthew 1: 18-23; Luke 1: 34-35.

12. The Bible teaches that Jesus created the heavens and the angels, including lucifer, who is a fallen angel: Isaiah 14:12-15; Psalm 33:6; Hebrews 11:3; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:15-17 and 2:9; John 1:3.

13. The Bible teaches that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever: Hebrews 13:8.

14. The Bible teaches that Jesus had no home: Matthew 8:20 and there is no evidence in the Bible that Jesus ever had any wives or children. He would have told us so. He was here for our salvation not to marry and have children.

It is obvious from both the Mormon 1-15 and the Bible 1-15 that none of the doctrines and teachings in 1-5 are found in either the Bible or the Book of Mormon. However, it is taught that the Book of Mormon is the most complete book on earth. If it is so complete why add all of these additional doctrines that are in contradiction to the Book of Mormon? The Bible stands firm on what it teaches and Christian faith teaches only what is in the Bible. If it goes against the Word of God it is not to be accepted.

John 14:6 Jesus said to him ” I am the way, the truth, and the life, No one comes to the Father except through Me.

John 8:31-32 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My discipels indeed. 32 ” And you shall know the truth , and the truth shall make you free.”

Don’t take my word for it, don’t take anyone’s word for it, Don’t trust in a church, a teaching, or a living or an old prophet, trust in Jesus and His Word. Ask God to reveal Himself and His truth to you, prayerfully search the Bible daily to test what is true. May the Lord Jesus Christ richly bless you.

Well, you know those times that you work very hard to place a wonderfully balanced meal in front of your child and you have worked hard to earn the living to supply that food, put thought into the meal, worked to make it just perfect, and then they say the don’t like it or want it? They look at the meal as though it is repulsive, push it away, and ask for cereal in a box. Have you ever had one of those moments?

Well, I am certain I have given my parents many of those moments but as I was talking with the Lord He showed me that I have had many of those moments with Him as well. What? What do you mean, Lord? When have I done that to you? Oh, I get it. One of those moments.

I’ll explain in the analogy of being a picky eater: I realized that for years He has put a dish or cup in front of me and I just look at them in wonder, aghast that I would be asked to partake of such a meal/or drink. Then ;in my mind, were thoughts of people that I truly respect some of which have wealth beyond measure and others so poor they didn’t have mice because in their home even the mice couldn’t find food (exaggerated). They didn’t serve the Lord because they were wealthy or because they were poor they didn’t serve the Lord because they were sick or well. They served the Lord because they loved the Lord and He would see them through all circumstances. It was not the circumstance that dictated their love for G_d it was their love for G_d that dictated how they viewed the circumstance in which they found themselves. It was also not their true desire to drink the contents of the cup placed before them merely because they absolutely loved the beverage inside of the cup. They drank the cup because they trusted the hand that provided that cup.

I was saying ok, I get it. I did not realize I have been pushing plates away from the table. If you see fit to create something for me or if you allow something to come into my life even if it does not seem positive I will take that cup with a glad heart (joy in suffering does not always mean laughing, merry, glee, I see it as peace in the midst of storm). I will never push away the cup you ask me to drink again and I am sorry that I have done that so many times. It was so wonderful to realize that He is so patient that He would keep trying until I got it.

To be truthful, He did serve it again. Then, I was honored to accept what was put before me instead of being a picky eater. He gives me lots of gourmet meals but He still gives me things He thinks will grow me, bless others, or give Him glory and now I see it for what it is. I never want Him to stop giving me what He thinks I need. It was a wonderful lesson and I am so thankful He took the time.

That may be one of those things that made a lot of sense to me because it was so personal and make no sense to you but I thought I would share.

I have had several friends die of cancer and I now know several people that have lived through cancer and it seems that each person I have known with this terrible disease have had such a great struggle, story, and have each been an inspiration to me.

I was reading a letter from someone that was struggling through cancer at the time the letter was written and as they cried out to the Lord to know why, to ask such intimate questions of the Lord it was a precious journey they shared with me and others to allow us to read these thoughts and see the answers fulfilled.

The greatest thing that I picked up was about hope. Hope is not just wishing and I don’t think I had ever understood that before. As I listened to this person speaking to the Lord about hope as a wish and then realizing that hope is not just wishing things better, wishing to be well, wishing the bills would get paid, but the epiphany that He is Hope. He is our Hope, our strength, our courage, our strong-tower for those that believe in Him. To grasp that means that hope is more than an illusion and even more than that, hope is a tangible. The Lord is amazing. We can find hope in Him.

So, walking through a day full of trials and frustrations He showed me that it is not about attaining the perfection, not about the day going smooth, not about living to see tomorrow, not about being rich or poor. He showed me that it is in living and trusting Him to be that strength and Him alone. Not to depend on my own strength because it is flawed but regardless of how rough the day goes to know that He and His love will see me through. When I die I can die in peace and while I live I can live in peace. It was nice to be shown that it was not about attaining the perfection but like Paul said just in running the race.

I don’t know if that makes any sense to you but I wanted to share the thought. It was wonderful to have a really bad day and to have no idea how some of the things are going to work out in the end. However, to just know 100% that it will be ok, not always perfect but it really will be ok.

This is a question I keep getting. A true Christian would not hate a Mormon. A confused person may hate a Mormon or anyone else for that matter. If you truly follow God’s Word you would know He is love and we are instructed to love.

I believe the confusion comes in with any radical person or confused person that does hate or says things out of ignorance. Just as there are Jack Mormons or Mormons that speak on things they do not know and can make the Mormon faith look bad any religion can and will do the same. I know Mormonism because I have a LOT of Mormon family that go back to the days of polygamy and a sect of them still practice polygamy in Utah. However, the ones here do not openly practice polygamy yet they do look forward to polygamy in their heaven (or plural wives). To attain the fullness of their reward and faith that is a required act in their heaven and very positive reward, to which they look forward.

With that little bit of history I cannot ever hate Mormons or else I would hate a large portion of my own family. Hate is usually based out of fear. Fear of the unknown and this is why I do blog about Mormonism. It is sad that there is so much secrecy surrounding Mormonism because that very secrecy (called sacred)…if you are a Mormon you know what I mean by that…. is the very thing that causes the fear in people. People fear what they do not understand, what they do not know. You tell people to ask you if they have questions but that is threatening because then Mormon missionaries show up and even within the church you are discouraged from challenging Mormon beliefs so how can someone come from outside and do the very thing that a Mormon is not allowed to do? There is a lot of defensive action when questions are asked and I understand why because you care so much and you believe so deeply in your faith but that is threatening to some people. I know Mormons who will not discuss topics unless they are making a conversion and become very irritated so we do not discuss issues. I love them and I am happy to agree to disagree. I do have a few friends and family that are open to talking but the old school Mormons in my life have a very hard time and again I do understand why. However, to others that can be very threatening. I have many friends and family that are Mormons that don’t fully know what the faith teaches and that is sad, but in fairness there are people of every faith that don’t truly know what their faith teaches. I hope to offer enough Mormon based scripture to show from Mormon text what the beliefs are for those who are afraid to ask, for those who are seeking, or for anyone. I will offer bible text because that is what I believe but don’t be surprised when you see a blog I have written with only Mormon text.

In the long run it is not only Christians or other faiths that are confused or fearful it too is the Mormon who does not understand what a true Christian heart means towards them) and have sadly been hurt by people acting out of fear or ignorance. I wish I could take that away and I do apologize for any hurt that you have been dealt but know that Jesus Christ of the Bible would never want you to be treated in an unkind or unloving way and He would not approve and does not endorse such behavior. I cannot take that away but HE can, He’s the only One who can.

For the true believer that challenges the teachings of the Mormon faith, it is not a fear based thing, it is not a hate based thing. However, it can be and has been handled wrong by people, even those that may have good intentions. For Mormons who really want to know why TRUE Christians don’t agree with the teachings it is taught to hate the sin not the sinner. They are truly concerned about the deception and they are truly concerned about the souls of people who have good hearts. They are concerned for those that are told lies and for friends and family.

Also, when the very faith that they do not hold dear comes to the door at dinner time and invades their privacy, challenges the G_d they serve, and even runs for President it makes even those that never cared to know want to ask questions. There is probably confusion when the Mormon faith feels free to evangelise yet when they are challenged they say they are being persecuted. In truth, any faith is fair game to be probed and questioned. Any faith worth it’s salt can stand up to scrutiny and that does not mean it is persecution. It seems like there is more alienation coming from the Mormon faith by the irritation it holds when challenged or misunderstood. When you don’t tell people and there’s so much in secrecy it adds to that mystique and it really feeds the fire of confusion and misunderstanding. If everything were out on the table it would take that misunderstanding away. However, I do know that is not up to the individual Mormon. It would take a Modern day Prophet to give permission to unveil the secrets, rituals, and beliefs that cause the fear with the average person. Most Mormons I know are very happy to keep those secrets (the sacred things, well sacred), secret.

So, in closing I hope I was able to answer all of your questions and if I did not, please feel free to write and vent, debate, or talk freely. I hope it is clear that any true hatred is from a confused heart and G_d is not a G_d of confusion. So, someone acting that way is either not a true believer, a new believer that is not mature, or just a confused person that is truly hateful which would not be a representative of Christ. The other messages you are getting are from the non-disclosure and misunderstandings and people’s natural curiosity as well as fear. I am blessed to truly know the Mormon faith because I have seen it from the inside out and studied it. However, most people do not have a clue what it is all about which has led to much division.

In the end, some of the division comes from the fact that those who do fully know what the Mormon faith teaches and they 100% follow Jesus Christ of the Bible they do reject the teachings and there may be love for the Mormon but they have to be true to their own hearts and reject the things that are contradictory to what the Bible teaches. This is why a lot of Christians don’t want Mitt Romney as President (as well as those who are not Christians but don’t hold the Mormon faith). I did not want to believe that but I have heard it enough I do believe that it is true. However, it has not seemed to hurt him lately! I’ll blog about that more later and we may have open discussion on that topic as it is another hot topic left for it’s own discussion.

Please see other categories for Mormon doctrine and scripture to clear up questions. I am trying to blog and answer questions as they arise. There are many questions, my days are full, so it takes me a long while to respond sometimes. If it is urgent please let me know and I will try to give special attention to your question or comment.

Terminology:

Jack Mormon: For those that are not familiar to the term. For a Christian it would be equivalent to the backsliding Christian. If you go to http://www.livingwaters.com/ you will see that the whole backsliding Christian thing is misunderstood and understand false conversions. For those more unfamiliar it is a Mormon that does not hold the teachings, smokes, drinks, takes caffeine, things like that.

G_d= This is out of respect for my Jewish friends. The name of G_d is so special that it is not written in full out of respect. I try to keep this but there are times I have written it in full. Out of respect I do try to write it the correct way but please forgive when I have not. However, my Jewish friends are the most non-judgmental people I know. They are amazing and are a real example of how to be persecuted yet to walk tall and strong in faith. I wanted to explain for those who do not understand why the o is left out. Personally, I feel that it is very sweet that there is so much respect given so I want to try to honor that.

The person for which I am now being asked to vote is not even someone I really like but the best of the what’s left. That is not what an election should become. I cannot say I would feel true to my convictions if I gave my vote to any of the other candidates that are running for Office in 2008. I think I may just vote Fred (a write in) anyway because he is the one person running that I truly believe would do a fantastic job. That may negate my vote but at least I will not be voting for someone I do not fully support. I wish thousands upon thousands would do the same just to show what it is we seek from our leader. Instead of just voting for the last one standing just to be true to a party. Instead, to be true to a conviction, true to ourselves. If you are truly convinced that the person for which you vote is the right person to represent you that’s perfect. I am just not believing any of the remaining candidates and they do not stand for the things I hold dear.

Are the rest of you true Fred fans giving your vote away to someone you do not support 100% just because Fred is gone or do you truly support any other candidate?